The City of Toronto, in partnership with the Toronto District School Board today opened a new playground at Flemingdon Park, located in one of the Toronto’s 13 priority neighbourhoods. Councillor John Parker (Ward 26 Don Valley West), representatives of the City’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division and the Toronto District School Board joined with community members for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The playground is situated in the north ravine section of Flemingdon Park. The .88 hectare park features two new junior playground areas, providing three slides, a climbing apparatus and a vertical rock wall. A ramp and asphalt walkways throughout the park provide access to neighbouring Grenoble Public School.

“The Flemingdon Park Playground opening demonstrates Toronto's Community Safety Plan in action,” said Mayor David Miller. “The Plan enshrines our belief that young people should have real opportunities especially in priority neighbourhoods like the Flemingdon Park-Victoria Village area. Building on the strengths of neighbourhoods and communities and by investing in new recreation facilities like this playground, we are building a truly great city.”

In January of 2002, Parks, Forestry and Recreation resolved to undertake the Flemingdon Park Design Development and Implementation Plan - The Master Plan. The purpose of this document was to provide an inventory and analysis of parks and open spaces and facilities within Flemingdon Park and indicate the need for capital improvements for Parks, Forestry and recreation facilities. After meetings with Parks, Forestry and Recreation, Toronto District School Board, the community and school children, it was decided to upgrade the Grenoble Public School-Flemingdon Park area, phase one of the Master Plan.

The other three phases are: Phase 2: New Soccer Fields; Phase 3: East Park Upgrade; and, Phase 4: Central Sports Field Improvement. The phases are scheduled to be completed by 2008.

Community volunteer worker and Chair of the Flemingdon Community Association, Ms. Sahar Badawy, was also acknowledged for her outstanding commitment to the community with a plaque and a tree planted in her honour.

The park is located adjacent to Grenoble Public School at 9 Grenoble Dr. and is one of the City’s 1,473 named parks operated by Parks, Forestry and Recreation.

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 70 awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.